Dolls

Dolls is a captivating 1986 horror movie that effortlessly combines elements of dark fantasy and chilling suspense. Directed by Stuart Gordon, best known for his work on Re-Animator, the movie stars Ian Patrick Williams, Carolyn Purdy-Gordon, and young actress Carrie Lorraine in compelling performances that leave an indelible impact.

The plot of Dolls revolves around a group of stranded travelers taking refuge during a stormy night inside a seemingly innocent old mansion. They are welcomed by the elderly couple who are the house owners, essayed by Guy Rolfe and Hilary Mason. These hosts are toy makers by profession, which explains the utterly disturbing amount of creepy dolls scattered all over the house. As the night progresses, the unsuspecting visitors soon find themselves haunted by the mansion's eerie atmosphere and the unnerving presence of the dolls.

Ian Patrick Williams stars as the gruff businessman David Bower, who along with his bratty and materialistic wife Rosemary, played by Carolyn Purdy-Gordon, is traveling with young step-daughter, Judy. The family is returning from Italy back to Boston when their car gets stuck in a muddy embankment, forcing them to seek nearby refuge. Judy, endearingly portrayed by Carrie Lorraine, serves as the moral compass in the film. She loves dolls and possesses an endearing innocence. A pivotal character, Judy's interactions with the dolls in the house serve as the conduit for unveiling the movie's darker and chilling elements.

The mansion also becomes the temporary shelter for two other characters, an unlikely pair of punk rock girl hitchhikers played by Bunty Bailey and Cassie Stuart, as well as a mild-mannered man named Ralph, portrayed by Stephen Lee. Each of these characters, with their unique personalities, react differently to the dwelling and its unusual occupants, adding layers of tension and intrigue to the narrative.

Director Stuart Gordon masterfully uses the house and its ominous ambiance to create an intense environment of suspense and inclined horror. Coupled with clever cinematography, and thoughtful use of sound and light, Gordon ensures that the uneasiness caused by the dolls remains a creeping constant.

Dolls is a film that pushes boundaries of the imagination while playing with elements of the supernatural. The dolls, despite their innocent appearance, harbor a darker secret, acting as central characters, each with their unique attributes. The film uses their deceptively harmless appearances to evoke a sense of fear, mystery, and psychological intrigue.

A key strength of this movie is its ability to utilize the universal fear of inanimate objects coming to life. It can tap into the audience's childhood memories and fears, making the horror element more personal and affecting. While the use of dolls in horror isn't unique, Dolls' effective execution of this theme is praiseworthy.

Throughout the film, it's clear that the screenplay, written by Ed Naha, is conscious of embracing elements of folklore and fairy tale narratives, adding a unique spin to the horror genre. Consequently, Dolls feels like a frightening bedtime story meant to instill moral lessons through an enchantingly dark narrative.

In terms of performance, all the actors deliver convincing roles. Carrie Lorraine, in particular, stands out as Judy. Her earnest portrayal of a child caught in an adult world, who builds a strange bond with the dolls is compelling and resonates deeply with the audience.

Overall, Dolls works effectively as a horror film by combining compelling plot progression, memorable characters, exceptional atmosphere, and an unsettling premise. It does not primarily rely on jump scares or graphic gore (though these elements do exist in the film), but rather adopts a psychological approach that progressively breeds an atmosphere of anxiety and dread. Dolls is a noteworthy entry in the horror genre from the '80s that continues to hold its appeal for fans of horror and suspense films.